Dear International Living Reader,

Driving in Panama City should only be attempted if you have mastered rush-hour Tokyo. Instead, take a taxi.

Few streets here have signs, so it’s always helpful to have a guide. Plus, taxis are an inexpensive way to travel (with the exception of a government imposed tariff for transfers to and from the airport).

Here’s a quick taxi-savvy guide:

* There are no meters and no initial charges; fares are determined on travel zones, but after three years, I still don’t know how the zone system works…and I’d wager most of the drivers don’t know either.

* Usually, the taxi will find you. Taxi drivers honk to indicate their availability and to attract potential fares’ attention (and to indicate their appreciation of any remotely attractive female). But if you have to hail a taxi, lower your arm (yes, lower; not raise) and point to where you want the taxi to stop.

* Once the taxi has stopped, approach the passenger window and state your destination (a little prior practice with an accent helps). If you’re male and the front passenger seat is available, take it; a female passenger should never sit in the front.

If you really want to drive…make sure Sunday is your first day–the streets are mostly empty.

After a while, you learn which signs and signals are respected and which are ignored; but if you see a transit police officer, be on your best behavior. (I smile and wave, hoping he’ll think I’m with the embassy.)

Greg Geurin
For International Living in Panama
E-mail: panama@internationalliving.com

P.S. Not wearing your seat belt is against the law in Panama, as is talking on a cell phone while driving; both laws are enforced and carry a hefty fine.